International Babywearing Week – all about babywearing!

International Babywearing Week is a week-long opportunity to celebrate and focus on the many benefits of babywearing. Let’s hear the voices of these well known names from the heart of the babywearing community.

Renee Jeffery from the UK is the editor at UK’s first online babywearing magazine Close Enough To Kiss Magazine.Photo: BabyBjörn

As a new parent, what do you consider the single most important reason to start babywearing?

To stay close to your child and build a strong bond.

Name a female hero/rolemodel that has inspired you in life and work?

Maya Angelou, she had such an air of determination about her and celebrated women in all their forms.

What’s your impression of Sweden – in one word?

Breathtaking.

Joanna McNeilly lives in New York and trains people to be Babywearing Consultants and Educators.Photo: BabyBjörn

Name: Joanna McNeillyLives in: New York City, NY USADoes in life: I train people to be Babywearing Consultants and Educators, in addition to working directly with new parents as a consultant myself.

As a new parent, what do you consider the single most important reason to start babywearing?

The most important reason to start babywearing will be individual for each parent and caregiver. The reasons to wear and carry a child will vary whether it is about transportation, to make a cup of tea, for bonding, to tend to other children. Or any other reason that is helpful to that individual, then I support it. Babywearing can be more than a tool, but it is also ok to only be a tool. Many parents and babies find great joy in all forms of carrying.

Name a female hero/rolemodel that has inspired you in life and work?

It may sound dull, but my mom is my role model. She is so incredibly patient and loving both as a mother and a friend. Always encouraging me to follow my heart and passion. She taught me to see several points of view and do my own research before I form an opinion. This has served me well and I will be forever grateful for this guidance.

What’s your impression of Sweden – in one word?

(This is so difficult…) Magnificent!

Arlette Tsimba lives in France and is a freelance Project Manager.Photo: BabyBjörn

As a new parent, what do you consider the single most important reason to start babywearing?

To meet the needs of my baby!

Name a female hero/rolemodel that has inspired you in life and work?

Vesta Garcia is a mentor, hero & friend who paved the way for all of us in the North American babywearing industry.

What’s your impression of Sweden – in one word?

Superbra!

What is babywearing?

Babywearing means wearing or carrying a baby in a sling or in another form of carrier. It has been practiced for centuries around the world and can be enjoyed for as long as mutually desired, often until toddlerhood and beyond.